What is a Pedortrhist

A Pedorthist is a healthcare professional who addresses conditions of the foot and ankle through the use of therapeutic footwear, orthotics, prostheses, and other supportive foot appliances.

Pedorthists receive a pedorthic pre-certification education in biomechanics (the study of movement), foot and lower limb anatomy and pathology, and the design, fabrication, modification and fitting of footwear and orthotics. To become certified, pedorthists must also undergo 1,000 hours of practical patient care experience and pass an exam from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC), or the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC). Certain pedorthists must also become licensed by the state in which they are located.

By modifying footwear, creating custom orthotics and using related devices, a pedorthist may be able to help people with pain or mobility issues due to arthritis, calluses, diabetic ulcers, certain injuries, and more.